Meat Ball Garden Skillet
A hearty skillet dish featuring tender meatballs, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and adaptable with seasonal produce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat electric skillet to 325°F.
- Cook chopped onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender, but not brown.
- Combine ground beef, flour, salt, milk, and egg in a bowl.
- Beat thoroughly until light and fluffy. Add cooked onion and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown meatballs lightly in 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet preheated to 350°F.
- Push meatballs to one side of the skillet.
- Blend 2 tablespoons flour into the fat in the skillet; add beef broth and water.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add quartered potatoes, small whole onions, and carrots to the skillet.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet with a lid.
- Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Optional: pour boiling water over frozen peas if desired.
- Add peas to the skillet; cover and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
- Serve directly from the skillet.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your meatballs, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the mixture. If you want a healthier option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter sauce. For a twist, incorporate some grated cheese into the meatball mixture, similar to what you might find in Easiest Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meat Ball Garden Skillet directly from the skillet for a rustic look. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Church Chili, making it a great option for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball Garden Skillet contains roughly 1456 calories, with 15g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2374mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or mixed veggies instead of fresh ones. Just add them towards the end of cooking to ensure they don't become mushy. This can save time and make preparation easier, especially if you're in a hurry.
How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?
To boost the flavor of your meatballs, try adding herbs like parsley or oregano, or incorporate some grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the taste, giving it a deeper flavor profile.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat you choose.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).